Effect of Elastic Compression Stockings for Healthy Nurses

Abstract

To determine the usefulness of elastic compression stocking during the standing work, the venous parameters in healthy nurses were measured by means of air-plethysmography with or without elastic stockings. We measured the venous volume (VV), venous filling index (VFI) in two groups (20 limbs in Group A: under 40 years old, and 20 limbs in Group B: 40 years old and more). The same measurements were repeated with a graduated medium compression stocking in limbs which VFI were over 1 ml/sec. Many nurses had complaints with swelling or calf cramp especially in the Group B. There was significant difference between the Group A and Group B in VV, and VFI. The elastic compression stockings reduced the high VFI in all cases. It was concluded that the venous parameters of nurses were getting worse in the older group, and the elastic compression stocking can improve the venous function during standing works.